Interactive blanket and pillow for children

ABSTRACT

An interactive security blanket for children comprises two fabric sheets sewn together to provide a blanket body. One of the sheets preferably has a colorful children&#39;s pattern or design, while the other is provided in a complimentary solid color. Additionally, a plurality of spaced-apart ribbon loops, or “tags,” are attached to the four edges of the blanket body, and extend out therefrom. The lengths of ribbon comprising the tags are looped from and back into the seam between the pieces of fleece, and are firmly attached at that seam. The tags are provided in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, e.g., they may be wide, thin, silky, textured, bright-colored, pastel, shiny, solid, and/or provided with fabric prints suitable for children. The tags function as a means for providing sensory stimulation for children via the children&#39;s passive (ocular) or active (tactile) interaction with the pillow or blanket.

This application claims priority from a Provisional Application, Ser.No. 60/168,449, filed Dec. 2, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to child care devices, and, moreparticularly, to blankets or pillows for children.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that oftentimes a young child will become attached to asmall, personal object as a means of coping with stress. Such a“security” item, which will typically be in the form of a favorite dollor a blanket, can actually provide substantial psychological andphysiological benefits, especially when the child is out of the presenceof a parent. For example, studies have found that if a child undergoesmedical treatment without parents present, the child will be much calmerand more cooperative, and will actually have a reduced heart rate andblood pressure level, if the child has a security blanket or other itemin his or her possession during the exam or treatment.

Typically, the chosen security blanket or item will be something withwhich the child is familiar and uses or plays with every day.Frequently, it will be a crib blanket or baby blanket also used forbedding during nap time or during the night. Although such blankets arefunctional, both as bedding and as security objects, they are typicallydisadvantageous for several reasons. The first of these is that thesecurity blankets might not be conveniently portable. Because of thechild's affection for the security blanket, it is usually taken alongwith the child wherever he or she goes. If the particular securityblanket is relatively large, this may pose a problem for parents and thechild, and the blanket may be dragged along the ground (thus gettingdirty), or it may knock things over in stores. Another drawback totraditional blankets is that they may be less than ideally sturdy orappropriate for frequent use. For example, even if a hand-knit babyblanket given as a gift from a grandparent is occasionally used asbedding, parents may want to ensure it survives as a keepsake and is not“loved to death” as a security blanket.

Additionally, traditional blankets offer no other benefits besides beingusable as blankets and as security items. Thus, in many situations (eg.,if a child has to wait for a parent to do something or is traveling in acar), toys or other distractions may need to be given to the child inaddition to ensuring the child has his or her security blanket. This maynot always be convenient or possible. Finally, traditional blankets donot provide much, if any, sensory stimulation (either active or passive)for furthering a child's development.

More specifically, most blankets that are available today typicallyconsist of one sheet of plain colored fabric, which at most may have asatin border around the perimeter of the blanket. Likewise, pillows thatare available to children are either typical, plain sleeping pillows, orthey have characters (cartoon/film characters) thereon which also do notprovide any soothing activity at rest time.

Of course, a multitude of products are available for providingdevelopmental stimulation for babies and young children. These includemobiles, wall hangings, toys, and stuffed animals. An example of thelatter is a currently available product called a Taggly™, which is astuffed animal which has multiple tabs attached to its head. The tabs onthis toy crinkle, squeak, and have a velvet feel, but the Taggly™ is atoy, not a blanket or pillow, and cannot be used as such. Plus, it istypically not the type of object that is most frequently chosen bychildren as a security object.

Several blankets have been proposed over the years for providing varioustypes of stimulation for young children. For example, U.S. Pat. No.4,989,285 to Troncone et al. discloses a dual-layer blanket comprisingtwo sheets of different fabrics connected only about their commonperipheries, so that the interior areas of the sheets can slide over oneanother. This sliding effect, with appropriately chosen fabrics,simulates the tactile response of the amnion lining and amniotic fluidexperienced by a fetus in utero. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 5,167,565to Metcalf (“Metcalf”) relates to a standard blanket that is providedwith a plurality of “attractors,” which are differently-patternedpatches sewn onto the center area of the blanket. The attractors areattached to the blanket only via no more than two edges, so that theycan be slightly lifted off the surface of the blanket. Although theattractors may provide some degree of stimulation via their differentpatterns, the design in Metcalf is disadvantageous in that theattractors cannot be very securely sewn onto the body of the blanket,making the blanket less than ideal for use with small children. Morespecifically, it is generally difficult to provide a secure stitchingconnection to the center of a fabric sheet, and it is nearly impossibleto do so without leaving the stitching partially exposed. Furthermore,having a number of patches all over the surface of the blanket rendersit less comfortable for use as a blanket.

Other blankets on the market contain actual toys or stuffed animalsaffixed to the blanket, which makes the blanket bulky and therefore notvery “snuggly” or compact. One such blanket is shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,208,934 to Bachnick et al. Another, commonly available securityblanket, is called a Lovie™. This product is a stuffed animal head whichhas a plain blanket with a satin bottom edge attached to it. The animalhead can act as a toy, but has no other developmental, stimulation orinteraction features. As such, its appeal and usefulness are limited.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to providean interactive security blanket or pillow that is easily portable, thatis sturdy, that still serves as a functional blanket or pillow, and thatincludes advantageously “low-tech” features with which a child caninteract so as to receive sensory and developmental stimulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses security blankets that provide acomforting, stimulating experience for young children. Each securityblanket preferably comprises two sheets of 100% polyester fleece sewntogether to provide a blanket body that is machine washable. The frontpiece of fleece preferably has a colorful children's pattern or design,while the back is a complimentary solid color. Additionally, a pluralityof spaced-apart ribbon loops, or “tags,” are attached to the four edgesof the blanket body, and extend “radially” out therefrom. The ribbonloops are provided in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, e.g.,they may be wide, thin, silky, textured, bright-colored, pastel, shiny,solid, and/or provided with fabric prints suitable for children. Theribbon is looped from and back into the seam between the pieces offleece, and are firmly attached at that seam. The present invention mayalso be embodied in a pillow by inserting a standard pillow or cushionbetween two appropriately dimensioned fleece sheets.

The present invention provides children with a soft, warm securityblanket, wherein the opposing portions of the tags can be rubbedtogether for comfort, much as the satin edge of a typical blanket mightbe rubbed for comfort. This provides the child with a sense of comfortand relaxation so as to sooth or calm the child. At the same time, thetags are colorful and enticing to children of all ages. Theattractiveness of the individual ribbons encourages young children toreach into their environment. This develops basic skills in a mannerthat builds self-confidence while also providing entertainment for thechild.

The tags, besides being visually and texturally enticing, also provide aseries of mini-handles for children to grab and play with. In thissense, besides providing further entertainment and stimulation, the tagsalso help children in developing motor skills and coordination,especially in newborns and infants. For example, babies and childrenpractice very complex fine motor skills, typically with much energy andexcitement, when they attempt to touch and feel the tags, for example bytrying (and succeeding) to place the soft fabric of the tags betweentheir fingers, or by trying to put their finger through the tag loops.Furthermore, infants and newborns who can not yet grasp the blanket willtry to reach for it and will intently study the individual patterns onthe various tags when the blanket is “propped” up for them. This helpsto develop eye/hand coordination in the young or developmentallydelayed. Babies often select a “favorite” tag, which is often thebusiest of patterns, because it is visually stimulating. Also, childrenmay obtain developmental stimulation from hearing the sounds producedwhen the ribbon loops are rubbed together.

The unique design and concept of the interactive blanket of the presentinvention is extremely attractive to young children because itincorporates a tactile and stimulating activity into a soothing,comforting object. Babies and children are drawn to clothing labels andsatin ribbons on stuffed animals because they enjoy the feel of rubbingthe labels or ribbons together, and therefore find the generous offeringof several assorted ribbon loops of different textures, prints andcolors in the interactive blanket or pillow to be interesting and fun.At the same time, the soft fleece blanket body that holds their favoritetags is warm, cuddly and snuggly. The combination of these factors andthe ability of the child to tote the blanket around (as opposed to otherblankets, which are typically larger) makes the interactive blanket orpillow an ideal child companion. Additionally, children enjoy using theblanket for multiple purposes and for rest time and for play. Forexample, children may use the interactive blanket of the presentinvention as an imaginary blanket for a doll.

The interactive blankets of the present invention are also veryattractive to adults purchasing the blankets for children, for severalreasons. First, the interactive blankets are preferably constructed soas to be safe for young children, thereby making excellent securityitems that can be used in a safe and conventional manner as blankets andthat are easily transported (children with security blankets or othersecurity items often wish to bring their items with them to newenvironments such as school, the doctor's office, or a new babysitter'shouse). In addition, adults also find the interactive blanket and pillowdesign, and the assorted patterns that are available, to be inviting andfun. Furthermore, and perhaps most importantly, the blankets areintended to promote both visual and fine motor skills in children, asdiscussed above, even while keeping things simple for young children,who are often bombarded with items that provide an excess of activities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with respect to the followingdescription, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of an interactive blanket or pillow accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detail view of an edge portion of the interactive blanket orpillow shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a looped ribbon attached to the edgeof the interactive blanket or pillow shown in FIG. 1, according to oneexemplary attachment arrangement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to FIGS. 1-3, preferred embodiments of an interactiveblanket 10 or pillow (not separately numbered) for children, accordingto the present invention, will now be given. These interactive blanketsand pillows are marketed by Taggies, Inc. of Paxton, Mass. under thetrademark “TAGGIES,” and are available for purchase on-line atwww.tagaies.com. The blanket 10 comprises top and bottom sheets offabric 12, 14 attached together about their peripheries via stitching16. A plurality of spaced-apart ribbon loops (“tags”) 18 are disposedbetween and extend out from the edges of the sheets 12, 14, and areattached thereto by virtue of the stitching 16. The tags 18 have anumber of different patterns, textures, and colors, so as to providevisual and tactile stimulation for children. Additionally, the tags 18protruding from the edges of the sheets 12, 14 entice youngsters topractice fine motor skills.

The fabric sheets 12, 14 are preferably polyester fleece, which, besidesbeing sturdy and machine washable, provides a very soft and welcomingtexture. One sheet 12 may be provided with a pattern, as indicated inFIG. 1, while the other sheet 14 may be provided in a solid,complementary color. Alternatively, other types of fabrics may be used,and both sheets may be patterned or solid, as desired.

As mentioned above, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tags 18 compriselengths of ribbon (e.g., single face or grosgrain) or fabric whose endsare attached between the peripheral edges of the sheets 12, 14, therebyforming a plurality of ribbon loops that extend out past the common edgeof the sheets 12, 14. The tags 18 function as a means for providingsensory stimulation for children via the children's passive (ocular) oractive (tactile, auditory, etc.) interaction with the pillow or blanket10. The tags 18 preferably protrude about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) past theedge of the sheets 12, 14, and are preferably evenly spaced about 1.5inches (3.8 cm) apart from one another, e.g., in both cases, from aboutone inch (2.5 cm) to about two inches (5 cm) is typically suitable.Although other lengths are possible, this range of tag lengths providesa good balance between accessibility and safety. More specifically, inorder to prevent a choking hazard, the tags should not be too long.However, if they are not long enough, they cannot be optimallymanipulated by children, who, as further discussed below, should be ableto rub the opposing sides of the tags together and insert their fingersthrough the loops. Similarly, although any inter-tag spacing can bechosen, the range noted above allows children to focus on individualtags, while still providing a reasonable number of tags on any givenblanket or pillow 10.

As indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the tags 18 are provided in a number ofdifferent colors, patterns, and textures. Thus, for example, a first tag18a might have a first color (or combination of colors) with a firstpattern and a first texture, a second tag 18b might have a second color(or combination of colors) with a second pattern and the same, firsttexture, and a third tag 18c might have a third color, no pattern, and adifferent, second texture. Each tag on the blanket 10 is preferablyunique to the blanket (i. e., each tag 18 on a blanket 10 will bedifferent in some respect from the other tags on the blanket), as thisprovides the most variety and developmental impetus. However, as shouldbe appreciated, the tags 18 do not each have to have a uniquecombination of color, texture, and pattern, and, if desired, multipleiterations of the same tag may be provided on the same blanket. The tags18 are preferably made of polyester for durability and wash-ability,although any type of fabric or material can be used.

As discussed above, the tags 18 provide a number of functions. Themultiple, varied colors and patterns provide visual stimulation forchildren, and make the blanket 10 generally uniquely attractive.Additionally, since the tags 18 have different textures, differenttactile sensations are conferred when the tags 18 are touched.Furthermore, because of the loop-like nature of the tags, children areable to rub the opposed sides of the tags together between theirfingers. This provides a further, different range of tactual sensation,since rubbing the opposed sides of the tags together between the fingerscreates a different sensation than just rubbing or stroking the fabricof the tags by itself. The loop-like tags 18 also help children developbasic motor skills, since babies and young children are drawn toinserting their fingers through the tag loops. Also, the tags 18 can beused by children as a series of “mini-handles,” further increasing theattractiveness and usefulness of the blanket 10.

As should be appreciated, the blanket or pillow 10 can be provided inany size as desired. However, it has been found that certain sizes arewell suited for certain uses. For example, a small interactive blanket10 for general use, but particularly portable, is preferably abouttwelve inches by twelve inches (about 30 cm by 30 cm), with five tags 18along each edge of the blanket 10. A larger, but still easily portableblanket 10, is preferably about eighteen inches by eighteen inches(about 46 cm by 46 cm), and has six tags 18 along each edge of thelarger interactive blanket 10, while a blanket 10 suitable for use in acrib or playpen is preferably about thirty-four inches by forty-fiveinches (about 86 cm by 114 cm), with approximately eleven ribbon loopsalong the thirty-four inch edge and sixteen along the forty-five inchedge.

The interactive pillow 10 according to the present invention ispreferably about ten inches by twenty inches (25 cm by 50 cm), with fourtags 18 along the ten inch edge and seven tags 18 along the twenty inchedge. The interactive pillow 10 is stuffed with a new travel-sizedpillow and then sewn closed, or, alternatively, is stuffed with someother type of padding, preferably in its own casing. As should beappreciated, the sheets 12, 14 for the pillow will necessarily be larger(e.g., twelve inches by twenty-two inches in the case of a ten inch bytwenty inch pillow) than the finished dimensions of the pillow 10, toaccommodate the inner travel pillow or padding.

Optionally, knots of embroidery floss (not shown) complimentary in colorto the colors of the sheets 12, 14 may be provided on the body of theblanket 10. Additionally, the blankets 10 may be provided with polyesterbatting (e.g., the blanket 10 suitable for cribs is preferably stuffedwith a half inch (1.3 cm) layer of batting).

FIG. 3 shows a detail (with dimensions exaggerated for clarity) of oneway in which the tags 18 may be attached to the edge of the blanket orpillow 10. The tags 18 may be attached according to other arrangements.

Except at set forth above, the patterns, colors and textures of theribbon or material for the tags 18 may be of any type as desired,although preferably they are chosen for their potential attractivenessor interest to children. Therefore, a variety of bright colors (blues,greens, yellows, reds, oranges, etc.), textures (silky, satiny, coarse,ridged (corduroy), etc.) and patterns (alternating lines, stripes,paisleys, polka-dots, etc.) are appropriate, keeping in mind that theinteractive blanket or pillow 10 should remain sturdy and functional.

Since the interactive blanket sand pillows 10 are used by children,child- and fire-proofing features are paramount. Every attempt should bemade to ensure that the interactive blankets and pillows 10 are safe forchildren to enjoy. Preferably, each tag 18 is “backtacked” as it is sewnbetween the sheets 12, 14 for added strength. Additionally, the blanketsand pillows 10 are preferably constructed inside out, on industrialsewing machines, with the fleece sheets 12, 14 being sewn together oneinch (2.5 cm) in from their edges, and the tags 18 being placed suchthat they are secured to the sheets 12, 14 at least one-quarter of aninch (0.6 cm) away from the ribbons' ends.

Before commercial production, the blankets and/or pillows 10, asavailable for purchase from the assignee of this invention, Taggies,Inc., were tested by a laboratory certified by the Consumer SafetyProducts Commission (e.g., to test the ribbons against the small-partsregulations for choking hazards). Also, the interactive blankets andpillows 10 were tested to determine that they meet the flammabilitystandards as set forth by the ASTM. If any parties seek to utilize theteachings set forth herein to commercially manufacture their ownblankets, pillows, or otherwise, e.g., under a license or subsequentexpiration, it is recommended that they do so as well. Also, SuddenInfant Death Syndrome (SIDS) concerns or precautions should beconsidered with respect to the interactive pillows. For example, it maybe necessary to only use the interactive pillows with children olderthan twelve months. Also, the blankets and pillows may be labeled withprecautionary information so that parents are aware (or can becomeeducated) of the potential risks (if any) involved in using theinteractive blankets and pillows with children of various age groups (asthey should for all products for children).

Other embodiments of the present invention may include full crib sets(bumper pads), sleeping bags, pillow cases, activity blankets, and othertypes of bedding articles. In each instance, the particular children'sproduct will be provided with a plurality of tags 18 acting as featuresfor child stimulation and interaction.

Although the interactive blankets and pillows have been illustrated asbeing made from particular fabrics or materials, one of ordinary skillin the art will appreciate that certain changes could be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, othermaterials or fabrics could be used, and non-rectangular blanket orpillow shapes (e.g., circular, oblong, triangular, pentagonal,hexagonal) could be used.

Additionally, although the ribbon-loop tags have been illustrated asbeing attached to the periphery of the blanket, they could also beattached to the central area of the blanket, without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, although the tags havebeen shown as comprising ribbon loops, one of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that the tags attached to the periphery of the blanketcould also be in other forms, such as strips. However, that would defeatthe purpose of having loops for little fingers to be inserted to graspthe item, and would make the tags potentially less tactuallystimulating, since it would be less easy to rub the tags againstthemselves.

Also, although the blanket or pillow body of the present invention hasbeen illustrated as comprising two fleece sheets attached to oneanother, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that theblanket or pillow bodies could be more “complex” structures comprisingvarious types of fabric sewn together, without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. For example, the fabric sheets could bequilt-like, or the fleece sheets could be provided with a satin border,to which the tags are attached.

Since certain changes (including those listed above) may be made in theabove described interactive blanket and pillow for children, withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, itis intended that all of the subject matter of the above description orshown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely asexamples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not beconstrued as limiting the invention.

1. An interactive bedding article for children comprising: a. a fabricbody; and b. a plurality of spaced-apart fabric loops attached to thefabric body, wherein: c. the fabric loops extend from about one inch toabout two inches past the periphery of the fabric body, such that thefabric loops do not create a choking hazard but are long enough forchildren to insert their fingers through the fabric loops and to use thefabric loops for carrying the bedding article; and d. the fabric loopsare provided in a number of different patterns, colors, and textures;whereby children are visually stimulated by the varied patterns andcolors and are tactually stimulated by touching the fabric loops andrubbing opposed portions of the fabric loops together between theirfingers.
 2. The interactive bedding article of claim 1 wherein: a. thefabric body comprises: a top sheet; and a bottom sheet non-removablyattached to the top sheet about a common periphery; and b. the fabricloops are securely non-removably attached to the fabric body between theperipheral edges of the top and bottom sheets such that the fabric loopscannot be opened or removed from the fabric body by children.
 3. Theinteractive bedding article of claim 2 wherein the fabric loops areattached to the top and bottom sheets by a plurality of stitchesextending through the top and bottom sheets and the fabric loops.
 4. Theinteractive bedding article of claim 2 wherein the fabric loops compriselengths of ribbon having first and second ends and turned back over onthemselves such that the first and second ends lie proximate oneanother, and said fabric loops being securely non-removably attached tothe top and bottom sheets proximate the respective first and second endsof the fabric loops.
 5. The interactive bedding article of claim 4wherein the fabric loops are attached to the top and bottom sheets by aplurality of stitches extending through the top and bottom sheets andthe first and second ends of the fabric loops.
 6. An interactive beddingarticle for children comprising: a. a fabric body comprising: a topsheet; and a bottom sheet non-removably attached to the top sheet abouta common periphery; and b. a plurality of fabric loops extending pastthe periphery of the fabric body, wherein: c. the fabric loops aresecurely non-removably attached to the fabric body between theperipheral edges of the top and bottom sheets such that the fabric loopscannot be opened or removed from the fabric body by children; and d. thefabric loops are provided in a number of different patterns, colors, andtextures; whereby children are visually stimulated by the variedpatterns and colors and are tactually stimulated by touching the fabricloops and rubbing opposed portions of the fabric loops together betweentheir fingers.
 7. The interactive bedding article of claim 6 wherein thefabric loops are attached to the top and bottom sheets by a plurality ofstitches extending through the top and bottom sheets and the fabricloops.
 8. The interactive bedding article of claim 6 wherein the fabricloops comprise lengths of ribbon having first and second ends and turnedback over on themselves such that the first and second ends lieproximate one another, and said fabric loops being securelynon-removably attached to the top and bottom sheets proximate therespective first and second ends of the fabric loops.
 9. The interactivebedding article of claim 8 wherein the fabric loops are attached to thetop and bottom sheets by a plurality of stitches extending through thetop and bottom sheets and the first and second ends of the fabric loops.10. The interactive bedding article of claim 8 wherein the fabric loopsextend from about one inch to about two inches past the periphery of thefabric body, such that the fabric loops do not create a choking hazardbut are long enough for children to insert their fingers through thefabric loops and to use the fabric loops for carrying the beddingarticle.
 11. An interactive bedding article for children comprising: a.a fabric body comprising: a top sheet; and a bottom sheet non-removablyattached to the top sheet about a common periphery; and b. a pluralityof spaced-apart fabric loops each comprising a length of ribbon havingfirst and second ends and turned back over on themselves such that thefirst and second ends lie proximate one another, said fabric loops beingsecurely non-removably attached to the fabric body between theperipheral edges of the top and bottom sheets by a plurality of stitchesextending through the top and bottom sheets and the first and secondends of the fabric loops, such that the fabric loops cannot be opened orremoved from the fabric body by children, wherein: c. the fabric loopsextend from about one inch to about two inches past the periphery of thefabric body, such that the fabric loops do not create a choking hazardbut are long enough for children to insert their fingers through thefabric loops and to use the fabric loops for carrying the beddingarticle; and d. the fabric loops are provided in a number of differentpatterns, colors, and textures; whereby children are visually stimulatedby the varied patterns and colors and are tactually stimulated bytouching the fabric loops and rubbing opposed portions of the fabricloops together between their fingers.
 12. An interactive bedding articlefor children comprising: a. a bedding article body adapted to betactually and visually pleasing to children; and b. a plurality offabric loops attached to the bedding article body and adapted to bevisually and tactually stimulating for children, wherein the fabricloops extend from about one inch to about two inches past the fabricbody, such that the fabric loops do not create a choking hazard but arelong enough for children to insert their fingers through the fabricloops and to use the fabric loops for carrying the bedding article, saidloops being securely non-removably attached to the bedding article bodysuch that the loops cannot be opened and/or removed from the beddingarticle body by children, and wherein the bedding article has no fabricloops that extend beyond about two inches past the fabric body.
 13. Aninteractive bedding article for children comprising: a. a beddingarticle body adapted to be tactually and visually pleasing to children,said bedding article body having a periphery and comprising first andsecond fabric sheets non-removably attached to one another proximate acommon boundary edge; and b. a plurality of fabric loops adapted to bevisually and tactually stimulating to children, said fabric loopscomprising lengths of fabric having first and second ends and turnedback over on themselves such that the first and second ends lieproximate one another and form loop-shaped portions that extend past theperiphery of the bedding article body, and said first and second endsbeing disposed between the first and second fabric sheets and securelynon-removably attached to the bedding article body proximate theirrespective first and second ends, such that the fabric loops cannot beopened or removed from the fabric body by children.
 14. The interactivebedding article of claim 43 wherein the fabric loops are attached to thefirst and second sheets by a plurality of stitches extending through thefirst and second sheets and the first and second ends of the fabricloops.
 15. An interactive blanket for children comprising: a. a fabricblanket body having a periphery and comprising: i. a first fabric sheethaving a top surface and a bottom surface; and ii. a second fabric sheethaving substantially the same dimensions as the first fabric sheet andhaving a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface of the secondfabric sheet facing the bottom surface of the first fabric sheet and thesecond fabric sheet being non-removably attached to the first fabricsheet proximate a common boundary edge of the two sheets such that aperipheral area of the top surface of the first sheet is in contact witha peripheral area of the bottom surface of the second sheet; and b. aplurality of spaced-apart loops attached to the periphery of the fabricblanket body and adapted to provide visual, auditory, and/or tactilestimulation for children, said loops being securely non-removablyattached to and extending out from between the peripheral area of thetop surface of the first sheet and the peripheral area of the bottomsurface of the second sheet by a plurality of stitches extending throughthe first and second sheets and the loops, such that the loops cannot beopened or removed from the fabric body by children.
 16. An interactiveblanket for children comprising: a. a blanket body having a periphery;and b. a plurality of spaced-apart loops attached to the periphery ofthe blanket body and adapted to provide visual, auditory, and/or tactilestimulation for children, said loops extending from about one inch toabout two inches past the periphery of the blanket body, such that theloops do not create a choking hazard but are long enough for children toinsert their fingers through the loops and to use the loops for carryingthe blanket, wherein: (i) the loops are securely non-removably attachedto the blanket body such that the loops cannot be opened and/or removedfrom the blanket body by children; and (ii) the blanket has no loopsthat extend beyond about two inches past the periphery of the blanketbody.
 17. An interactive bedding article for children comprising: a. afabric body; and b. a plurality of spaced-apart loops attached to thefabric body, wherein the loops are adapted in size and shape forchildren: to insert their fingers through the loops; to use the loopsfor carrying the bedding article; and to rub opposed portions of theloops together between their fingers for tactile stimulation, and saidloops being securely non-removably attached to the fabric body such thatthe loops cannot be opened and/removed from the fabric body by children.18. An interactive bedding article for children comprising: a. a fabricbody; and b. a plurality of spaced-apart loops attached to the fabricbody, wherein: c. the loops are adapted in size and shape for childrento insert their fingers through the loops and to use the loops forcarrying the bedding article, but not to create a choking hazard forchildren; d. the loops are adapted to provide visual, auditory, and/ortactile stimulation for children, and the loops are securelynon-removably attached to the fabric body such that the loops cannot beopened and/or removed from the fabric body by children.
 19. Aninteractive article for children comprising: a. a body; and b. aplurality of spaced-apart loops attached to the body, wherein the loopsare adapted in size and shape for children; to insert their fingersthrough the loops; to use the loops for carrying the article; and to rubopposed portions of the loops together between their fingers for tactilestimulation, and said loops being securely non-removably attached to thebody such that the loops cannot be opened and/or removed from the bodyby children; and wherein the loops are provided in a plurality ofdifferent colors, patterns, and/or textures for providing visual,auditory, and/or tactile stimulation for children.
 20. An interactivearticle for children comprising: a. a body; and b. a plurality ofspaced-apart loops attached to the body, wherein: c. the loops areadapted in size and shape for children to insert their fingers throughthe loops and to use the loops for carrying the article, but not tocreate a choking hazard for children; and d. the loops are provided in aplurality of different colors, patterns, and/or textures for providingvisual, and/or tactile stimulation for children, and the loops aresecurely non-removably attached to the body such that the loops cannotbe opened and/or removed from the body by children.
 21. An interactivearticle for children comprising: a. a fabric body; and b. a plurality oflengths of fabric extending past the periphery of the fabric body,wherein: c. the lengths of fabric have first and second ends and areturned back over on themselves such that the first and second ends lieproximate one another; d. the lengths of fabric are securelynon-removably attached to the fabric body such that the lengths offabric content be opened or removed from the fabric body by children;and e. the lengths of fabric are provided in a number of differentpatterns, colors, and textures; whereby children are visually stimulatedby the varied patterns and colors and are tactually stimulated bytouching the lengths of fabric and rubbing opposed portions of thelengths of fabric together between their fingers.
 22. The interactivearticle of claim 21, wherein the lengths of fabric are securelynon-removably attached to the fabric body by a plurality of stichesextending through the fabric body and the first and second ends of thelengths of fabric.
 23. The interactive article of claim 21 wherein: a.the interactive article is an interactive bedding article; b. the fabricbody comprises: a top sheet; and a bottom sheet non-removably attachedto the top sheet about a common periphery; and c. the lengths of fabricare securely non-removably attached between the peripheral edges of thetop and bottom sheets by a plurality of stiches extending through thetop and bottom sheets and the first and second ends of the lengths offabric.
 24. An interactive bedding article for children comprising: a. abedding article body adapted to be tactually and visually pleasing tochildren, said bedding article body having a periphery and comprisingfirst and second fabric sheets attached to one another proximate acommon boundary edge; and b. a plurality of lengths of fabric adapted tobe visually and tactually stimulating to children, wherein: (i) thelengths of fabric extend past the periphery of the bedding article body;have first and second ends; and are turned back over on themselves suchthat the first and second ends lie proximate one another; and (ii) thefirst and second ends are disposed between the first and second fabricsheets and are securely non-removably attached to the bedding articlebody proximate their respective first and second ends, whereby thelengths of fabric cannot be opened or removed from the fabric body bychildren.